Charitable Auction Permit

$50 application fee
1-2 weeks processing time

The Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation allows non-profit organizations (whether incorporated or unincorporated) or their representatives to auction liquor to raise funds for charitable purposes. The Regulation defines charitable purpose as:

The relief of poverty and other purposes beneficial to the community, and includes the advancement of the following:

Education;

Religion;

Recreation;

Sports or athletics;

Aid to persons with disabilities;

Culture; and

Youth or senior citizens.

Do I need a charitable auction permit?

An eligible organization may auction liquor without a permit as long as the funds are being raised for a charitable purpose and only a small volume of liquor is being auctioned at the event. A charitable auction permit is required when the volume of liquor to be auctioned over the duration of the auction event is:

over 6 litres (e.g. more than eight 750 ml bottles) of spirits; or

over 18 litres (e.g. more than twenty-four 750ml bottles) of wine; or

over 51.2 litres (e.g. more than 24 six-packs of 355 ml bottles) of beer, cider or coolers.

The maximum quantities of liquor are not interchangeable (i.e. less of one category cannot be exchanged for more of another category).

Auctions that exceed these limits must obtain an auction permit and pay a $50 application fee, and are required to report on funds raised and expenses. Even if you don't need an auction permit, your liquor auction still needs to abide by the terms and conditions noted below.

What are the terms and conditions of the liquor auction?

The following terms and conditions apply to all liquor auctions, whether or not they require a permit:

Liquor sold at auction events may be purchased or may be acquired by donation.

The type of auction liquor is not restricted, as long as the liquor has been produced commercially. Auctioning of UBrew/UVin (Ferment-on-Premises) product or homemade liquor is not permitted.

You must let participants know about the charitable purpose of the auction event before bidding commences.

You may advertise information about the event, and the availability of liquor including brands, types, amounts and manufacturers.

Liquor auctions may be held in licensed (excluding UBrew/UVin premises) or unlicensed venues, or at special event permit (SEP) events.

If an auction takes place in a licensed establishment, the liquor must be clearly identifiable as auction liquor and kept separate from liquor purchased by the licensed establishment.

The auction holder is responsible for ensuring the auction liquor is secure until the auction is complete.

Virtual or online auctions are not permitted.

Auction liquor must not be consumed at the event. Regular liquor service is not affected by auctions being held at a licensed establishment.

Unsold auction liquor must be removed from the site of the auction at the end of the auction event by the organization holding the event.

If an auction takes place in a venue where minors are currently permitted, they may attend the auction but may not participate in the auction process or consume liquor at the event. Minors may be employed at an auction as long as they do not sell or serve liquor. (e.g. they may deliver a lot to a successful bidder or assist a successful bidder in carrying the liquor out to a means of transport).

An auction requiring a permit is valid only for the dates and times indicated on the permit, up to a maximum of 30 days, at any given location. Separate permits are required for auctions occurring at multiple locations.

A period of thirty days is required as a separation between the end of one auction event and the commencement of another auction event held by the same non-profit corporation or organization. The frequency restriction applies regardless of whether the auction is being held with or without a permit.

Successful bidders must sign an acknowledgement that the liquor may not have been tested and that the LCLB is not responsible for the quality of the auctioned liquor.

Charitable auction permits must be posted in a prominent location at the auction site.